Kickstarter - Thinklabs WrapUp
Out of context: Reply #22
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What I see though, it's mostly industrial usage, is this...
FDM printing for end use parts, It comes off a 3d printer and goes right to use, no finishing, casting, or anything. print. done. use.
RTV Tooling for up to 1000ish parts, that RTV mold won't hold for the long haul, you want to stop using it before it begins to break down, but it helps initial sales, you'd need two molds, 1 for each half, you can make these molds from a finished STL or FDM printed part, these costs aren't astronomical either.
Tooled Injection Molding for 10's of thousands of units, usually done in sets of 4-16 or more depending on part size for rapid production
I can attest that an RTV mold of this part is easily molded to the same specs as your tool will be, complete with your logo embossed into the piece. it all comes down to the finish quality of the part to be molded.
I'm familiar with manufacturers in Texas, so don't come down too hard on me insinuating I brought up overseas production, I never did.
I understand tooling costs, I've seen some small tools nearing the 50K mark, I understand your investment is large because you want to cover potential sales & options in your production run
The only reason for my comments is 60K is a big mark in 30 days, so far you're not on track. I hope you don't have to rethink your strategy, but we'll see in a month.
My rambled suggestions are for lowering your investment cost so you can actually get to manufacture your product if this Kickstart doesn't work. I know people you can talk to if your current route doesn't work out. I know they can help you explore your options.